Washing apparatus



June 22, I954 .F. A. WALKER WASHING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 OriginalFiled Ma 14', 194s INVENTOR Forrest A. Walker FIG. 1.

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F. A. WALKER WASHING APPARATUS June 22, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 OriginalFiled May 14, 1948 00 mm m- INVENTOR. Forrest A. Walker BY M, MM

June 22, 1954 A, WALKER WASHING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 OriginalFiled May 14, 1948 INVENTOR. Forrest A. Walker F. A. WALKER WASHINGAPPARATUS June 22, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed May 14, 1948INVENTOR. Forrest A. Walker Patented June 22,1954

WASHING APPARATUS Forrest Alander Walker,

to General Electric Co New York Original application May 14,

Wheaton, Ill., assignor mpany, a corporation of 1948, Serial No.

Divided and this application March 2, 1951, Serial No. 218,138

3 Claims.

The present invention relates to washing apparatus, and moreparticularly to improved dishwashing apparatus of the general characterof that disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,425,620, granted onAugust 12, 1947, to Leslie A. Kempton. This application is a division ofthe copending application of Forrest A. Walker, Serial No. 27,002, filedMay 14, 1948, now Patent No. 2,620,811.

The dishwashing apparatus disclosed in the Kempton patent mentioned isof the timed washing cycle type that performs automatically and inpredetermined sequence given steps including spraying, washing, rinsingand drying of the dishes and other utensils contained therein. Thisapparatus comprises a cabinet housing a substantially verticallydisposed vat including a front opening and a door for closing theopening, the door loeing mounted for movement between a substantiallyvertical closed position and a substantially horizontal open position.Also, this apparatus comprises an open wire-work dish supporting rack ofthe general character disclosed in United States Patent No. 2,290,653,granted on July 21, 1942, to Edgar S. Stoddard; which rack is mountedfor movement through the front opening into and out of the vat when thedoor occupies its open position. Further, this apparatus comprisesdetergent cup mechanism of the general character disclosed in UnitedStates Patent No. 2,276,801, granted on March 17, 1942, to Edgar S.Stoddard; which mechanism is operated following an initial spraying stepand at the beginning of a first washing step in order to introduce acharge of detergent contained therein into the associated vat.

While this dishwashing apparatus is entirely satisfactory and efficientin operation, it is somewhat more expensive to manufacture withreference to certain particulars than is desirable.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provideimproved dishwashing apparatus of the timed washing cycle type, which ispositive and efficient in operation, and that is simple and economicalto manufacture.

Another object of the invention is to provide in dishwashing apparatusof the character noted improved mechanism for mounting the dish carryingrack for movement through the front opening into and out of the vat.

A further object of the invention is to provide in washing apparatus ofthe character noted an improved arrangement for supporting the rack formovement upon the door when the door occupies its open position.

A still further object of the invention is to provide in washingapparatus of the front opening type improved and exceedingly simplemechanism for mounting a receptacle for movement through the openinginto and out of the associated chamber over the associated door when thedoor occupies its open position.

Further features of the invention pertain to the particular arrangementof the elements of the washing apparatus, whereby the above-outlined andadditional operating features thereof are attained.

The invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,together with further objects and advantages thereof, will best beunderstood by reference to the following specification taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a frontelevational view, partly broken away, of dishwashing apparatus providedwith a front opening door and emoodying the present invention; Fig. 2 isa reduced perspective view of the dishwashing apparatus shown in Fig. 1with the door in its open position, illustrating the interior of a vatincorporated in the apparatus; Fig. 3 is a reduced perspective view ofthe dishwashing apparatus, similar to Fig. 2, with the door in its openposition, illustrating a movable dish supporting rack incorporated inthe apparatus and occupying its normal fully pushed-in position; Fig. 4is a reduced perspective view of the dishwashing apparatus, similar toFigs. 2 and 3, with the door in its open position, illustrating the rackin its normal fully pulled-out position; Fig. 5 is a fragmentaryvertical sectional view of the dishwashing apparatus shown in Fig. 1,with the door in its closed position and the rack in its normal fullypushed-in position, illustrating the structural detail of the door; Fig.6 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view of the dishwashing apparatus,similar to Fig. 5, with the door in its open position, illustrating infull lines the normal fully pushed-in position of the rack andillustrating in dotted lines the normal fully pulled-put position of therack; Fig. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of a rack supportincorporated in the apparatus, taken in the direction of the arrowsalong the line l-'] in Fig. 5; and Fig. 8 is an enlarged sectional Viewof the rack support, taken in the direction of the arrows along the line8-8 in Fig. 5.

Referring now to Fig. 1 of the drawings, the dishwashing apparatus Illthere illustrated, and embodying the features of the present invention,is of the general character of that disclosed in the previouslymentioned Kempton patent and comprising a vat ll that is supported in asubstantially vertical position in an outer casing having side walls 12and a top wall It which is provided with a backsplasher Hi. The vat iiis of the front opening type and this opening is closed by a door I5that is hinged at its lower edge to move between a lower substantiallyhorizontal open position and an upper substantially vertical closedposition, and is latched in its closed position by a latch bar operatedby a rotatable handle l6 carried on the outside of the door adjacent tothe upper edge thereof. A ventilating louver I? is provided adjacent tothe center of the door I5 below the handle it and communicates through apassage formed in the door 55 with the interior of the vat Ii. Also, anopen-work removable rack is provided in the vat II in order to supportthe articles to be washed, such as dishes, glasses and silverware.

In the lower portion of the vat ii there is provided a substantiallycentrally disposed impeller it which is provided with blades i9 that mayhave any suitable shape, the important feature being that the blades aregiven a shape such that the cleansing fluid supplied to the vat H andallowed to accumulate in the lower portion thereof will be thrownupwardly and outwardly in an eflcient through the adjacent supportingrack. The impeller 13 may be formed oi any suitable material and thelower portion thereof is surrounded by an upstanding substantiallycylindrical reticulated screen 2G carried by a casting 2| removablysecured to the bottom of the vat H to close an opening formed therein.The casting it carries an electric motor 22 provided with asubstantially vertically disposed operating shaft, not shown. Theoperating shaft of the motor 22 projects through a sealed opening orgland provided in the casting 2! into the lower portion of the vat iiand the hub of the impeller E8 is directly secured thereto. Accordingly,the operating shaft of the motor 22 rotates the impeller it about asubstantially vertical axis, the rotation of the impeller it being in acounterclockwise direction as viewed from the top of the vat l 1.

Provided in the space in the casing of the dishwashing apparatus 55below the vat H is a suitable fiuid supply pipe 23 which is adapted tobe connected to a source of supply of cleansing or. washing fluid, notshown, by a coupling, union, or the like, not shown. Forexample, in theevent the cleansing or washing fluid is water, the source of suppl maybe a hot water tank, or the like. The cleansing fluid is piped from thebottom of the casing up the back wall or" the vat ii by a flexibleconduit E i and into the top of the vat ll. Specifically, a sprayingdevice 25 is carried by the lower surface of the top wall of the vat l lin a substantially centrally disposed position and is connected to theconduit 25 so that the cleansing fluid may be sprayed downwardly throughthe rack provided in the vat H and allowed to accumulate in the lowerportion thereof. Specifically, the fluid supply pipe 23 is suitablyconnected to an inlet valve strainer device Qtl that, in turn, isconnected to an inlet valve mechanism 2! of the solenoid type, arrangedto discharge into the conduit 2%. inlet valve mechanism 2? is normallybiased to its closed position in order to disconnect the fluid supplypipe 23 fromthe conduit 24, but is operated to its open position whenthe associated solenoid is energized in order that cleansing fluid Thethe inlet valve strainer device 26, the casing of the inlet valvemechanism 21, the conduit 24 and the spraying device 25, into the upperportion of the interior of the vat l l. Subsequently, when the solenoidof the inlet valve mechanism 2! is deenergized, the inlet valvemechanism 21 is returned to its closed position, closing thecommunication between the fluid supply pipe 23 and the spraying device25.

Also, provided in the lower portion of the casing of the dishwashingapparatus Hi, below the vat ll, is a drain pipe 28 that is connected 7through a suitable trap 29 to a drain connection 3! Provided in thedrain pipe 28 is an elbow 3| terminating in a drain .valve mechanism .32that is suitably connected to a drain conduit 35 carried by the casting2i and communicating through an opening formed therein with the bottomportion of the vat ii. The drain valve mechanism 32 is normally biasedto its open position in order to connect the bottom of the vat ll viathe opening in the casting 2|, the drain conduit 33, the casing of thedrain valve mechanism 32, the elbow 3 l, the drain pipe 28 and the trap29 to the drain connection 30. In order to operate the drain valvemechanism 32 there i mounted on the elbow 3| a platform 34 carrying anelectromagnetic device 35 which has an armature 36 that is actuated inresponse to energization or an associated solenoid ill. Connected to thearmature 36- through a suitable spring 38 is a lever 38 which, in turn,is connected to a shaft til extending into the interior of the drainvalve mechanism 32 and operatively connected to the valve element, notshown, thereof, Specifically, the shaft it! is normally biased by a coilspring i i in order to cause the drain valve mechanism 32 to occupy itsopen position, as previously noted. When the solenoid 3! is energized,the armatiu'e 35 of the electromagnetic device 35 is actuated so as torotate through the spring 38 the shaft 3%] in a clockwise directionagainst the bias of the coil spring ii, whereby the drain valvemechanism 32 is operated to its closed position, closing thecommunication between the bottom of the vat H and the drain connection39. Subsequently, when the solenoid 31 of the electromagnetic device 35is deenergized, the armature as is released, whereby the coil spring llrotates the shaft 38 in a counterclockwise direction, again operatingthe drain valve mechanism 32 to its open position in order again toplace the bottom of the vat ll into communication with the drainconnection 39.

Mounted within the lower portion of the vat H and surrounding theimpeller i8 is a suitable electric heater d2 which is preferably of thesheathed resistance conductor type; which heater 42 is employed for thepurpose of drying the dishes after the have been washed and rinsed asexplained more fully hereinafter. Also, an electric control panel as isarranged in the lower portion of the casing of the dishwashing apparatus59 below the bottom of the vat H and carried by the casting 2i. Thecontrol panel d3 is preferably disposed in front of th electric motor 22so as to be readily accessible from the front of the casing of thedishwashing apparatus iii and comprises a removable cover 34. Thecontrol panel 43 supports the electrical apparatus that is connected andarranged substantially in the manner disclosed in the previouslymentioned Kempton patent for the purpose of controlling the electricmotor 22, the electro-responsive inlet valve mechanism 2?, theelectro-rGSPonsive device associated with the drain valve mechanism 3 2and the heater 42. Specifically, this electric circuit network includesa start switch, not shown, that is controlled by a push button 55carried by the front of the casing of the dishwashing apparatus it)adjacent to the left-hand side wall l2 and below the top wall 13, aswell as an interlock switch, not shown, that is controlled by the latchbar governed by the handle it. Also this electric control networkcomprises a pickup relay, not shown, and an electromagnetic timer, notshown. The electric circuit network is so connected and arranged thatwhen the door i5 is closed and the latch bar is 01 erated by the handle-.I .6 in order securely to latch the door in its closed position, theinterlock switch is closed to prepare the start switch. At this timewhen the push button is operated, the start switch is closed in order toeffect operation of the pickup relay, whereby operation of theelectromagnetic timer is initiated. At this time the timer brings abouta timed cycle of operation of the dishwashing apparatus It in order toefiect spraying, washing, rinsing and drying of th dishes supported bythe rack in the vat H and is then reset at the conclusion of the cycle,reconditioning itself for another cycle or" operation. During the cycleof operation of the dishwashing apparatus H3 should the handle ill beoperated in order to unlatch the door l5,

the pickup relay is restored in order to arrest operation of the timerand to cause it to be returned to its initial position.

The details of the electrical apparatus incor porated in. thedishwashing apparatus ill have been omitted in the interest of brevity,but are fully disclosed in the Kempton patent as previously mentioned;however, the complete timed washing cycle of the dishwashing apparatusii] may be understood from the following outline.

After the dishes to be washed have been loaded into the rack and therack has been moved into its normal fully pushed-in position in the vatl l, the door It is closed and latched in place by the handle it,whereupon the push button it is operated in order to initiate the timedwashing cycle. At this time the pickup relay and the timer are operated,whereby a first spray step is initiated. Specifically, operation of theelectric motor 22 is initiated and the inlet valve mechanism fzi isoperated to its open position while the drain valve mechanism 32occupies its open position. Accordingly, the impeller .13 is rotated ina counterclockwise direction and cleansing fluid is supplied from thefluid supply pipe .23 to the spraying device 25. The cleansing fluidsprays down through the dishes supported by the rack and into the bottomof the vat II. This cleansing fluid passes through the reticulatedscreen 2d below the blades IQ of the impeller it and thence through thedrain valve mechanism .32 into the drain connection 36. Some of thecleansing fluid passing through the reticulated screen 2i) may be caughtand flung upwardly 6 cupies its open position and the electric motor 22is running. At this time the cleansing fluid sprayed through the dishessupported by the rack from the spraying device 25 accumulates in thebottom of the vat i l since thedrain valve mechanism 32 occupies itsclosed position. Ill-1e cleansing fluid accumulating in the bottom ofthe vat i! passes through the reticulated screen 20 and is caught by theblades it of the impeller iii and is flung upwardl and outwardly throughthe rack and the dishes supported thereby, against the walls of the vat.l i, and again returns to the bottom of the vat ii. The supply ofcleansing fluid from the spraying device 25 continues until apredetermined quantity or cleansing fluid accumulates in the bottom ofthe vat H, imposing a predetermined load upon the impeller it andconsequently upon the electric motor The electric circuit network is re-I sponsive to this increased load imposed upon the electric motor 22 andoperates in order to deenergize the solenoid of the inlet valve mechanism 2?, whereby the inlet value mechanism 2'? is operated to its closedposition to shut oft the supply pipe 23 from the spraying device 25.also, the electric control network comprises an arrangement fordeenergizing the solenoid of the inlet valve mechanism 2? in order toshut oh the fluid supply pipe 23 from the spraying device after anelapsed time of forty-five secends, in the event this operation has notalready been effected by the previously mentioned arrangement responsiveto the increased load upon the electric motor 22. After a predeterminedquantity of cleansing iiuid has accumulated in the bottom of the vat H,a given charge of detergent is introduced into the cleansing fluid inorder that the washing cycle may be eiiective to remove grease and otherforeign materials from the dishes supported by the rack in the vat ii.The arrangement for introducing the detergent into the cleansing fluidaccumulated in the bottom of the vat ii during the first washing step isdescribed more fully hereinafter.

. Preferably the detergent mentioned is of the type sold under the tradename Calgonite that com pri es about 40 per cent sodiumhexametaphosphoto and 69 per cent sodium metasilicate. This firstwashing is carried out through a time interval of approximately fiveminutes under the control of the timer, whereupon the timer operates toeil'ect operation of the electromagnetic device whereby the drain valvemechanism 32? operated to its open position while the inlet valvemechanism El occupies its closed position and the electric motor 22 isrunning. The cleansing fluid accumulated in the bottom of the vat ii isthen drained into the drainconnection 35. which takes place in less thanfortyive seconds. The timer then operates at the conclusion offorty-five seconds in order again to effect operation or" the inletvalve mechanism 2? to its open position while the drain valve mechanism32 occupies its open position and the electric motor .2 is running,thereby to initiate a second spray step.

Cleansing fluid is again supplied from the fluid supply pipe to thespraying device whereby the dishes supported by the rack are againsprayed, the cleansing fluid in the bottom of the vat El passing throughthe drain valve mechanism into the drain connection til. This sec- 0ndspray step is carried out under the control or the timer through a timeinterval of approximately ten seconds, whereupon the .timer againoperates the electromagnetic device 35 in order to effect closure of thedrain valve mechanism 32 and the consequent initiation of a secondwashing step.

The second washing step proceeds in the manner of the first washing stepdescribed above, whereby the inlet valve mechanism 21 is operated to itsclosed position dependent upon the load upon the electric motor 22, orat the conclusion of forty-five seconds. The second washing stepcontinues for a time interval of five minutes under the control of thetimer, whereupon the electromagnetic device 35 is again op-- erated inorder to open the drain valve mechanism 32 while the inlet valve 2?occupies its closed position and the electric motor 22 is running. Thecleansing fluid accumulated in the bottom of the vat H is drainedthrough the drain connection so, and after forty-five seconds the timeragain operates to effect operation of the inlet valve mechanism 27 toits open position while the drain valve mechanism 32 occupies its openposition and the electric motor 22 is running, thereby to initiate athird spray step. The cleansing fluid supplied from the fluid supplypipe 23 to the spraying device 25 sprays through the dishes supported bythe rack and accumulates in the bottom of the vat H and is drainedthrough the drain valve mechanism 32 into the drain connection 36. Thisspray step continues throughout a time interval of ten seconds under thecontrol of the timer, whereupon the timer effects reoperation of theelectromagnetic device 35 and the consequent reclosure of the drainvalve mechanism 32 in order to initiate a first rinse step.

Cleansing fluid is supplied from the spraying device 25 into the vat I!and accumulates in the bottom thereof, and thereafter the inlet valvemechanism 2? is operated to its closed position, depending upon the loadupon the electric motor 22 or upon the elapsed time interval offortyflve seconds, as previously explained. This rinse step continuesthrough a time interval of one minute, whereupon the timer releases theelectromagnetic device 35 causing the drain valve mechanism 32 to beoperated to its open position. The cleansing fluid accumulated in thebottom of the vat M is then drained through the drain valve mechanism32, into the drain connection 36.

At the conclusion of forty-five seconds the timer again operates theinlet valve mechanism 2! to its open position in order to initiateanother spray step in the manner previously explained. After ten secondsthe timer reoperates the electromagnetic device 35 in order to efiectoperation of the drain valve mechanism 32 to its closed position,whereby cleansing fluid is again accumulated in the bottom of the vat Hinitiating a second rinse step. Subsequently, the inlet valve mechanism21 is operated to its closed position depending upon the load upon theelectric motor 22 or at the expiration of forty-five seconds, aspreviously explained. This second rinse step continues through a timeinterval of one minute, and thereafter the timer releases theelectromagnetic device 35 in order to cause the drain valve mechanism 32to be operated to its open position. The cleansing fluid accumulated inthe bottom of the vat H is drained through the drain valve mechanism 32into the drain connection 36..

heater 42 while the inlet valve mechanism 21 occupies its closedposition and the drain valve mechanism 32 occupies its open position. Atthis time operation of the electric motor 22 is continued and when theheater 42 is heated the air circulated in the vat l I by the blades [9of the impeller it passes over the heater 42 and is directed intocontact with the dishes supported by the rack in the vat M. This initialdrying step is continued for twenty minutes under the control of thetimer, with the heater 42 being supplied with heating current and theelectric motor 22 running. After the expiration of twenty minutes thetimer opens the circuit to the electric motor 22 while retaining closedthe circuit for supplying heating current to the heater 32. Accordingly,the motor 22 stops and operation of the impeller I3 is arrested. Dryingof the dishes supported by the rack in the vat H continues afteroperation of the impeller I8 has been arrested, for an additional tenminutes, under the control of the timer. After the expiration of thisadditional ten minutes the timer interrupts the supply of heatingcurrent to the heater d2, completing the timed cycle, and restores thepickup relay. At this time the timer is returned to its initial positionresetting the circuit network for another timed cycle of operation ofthe dishwashing apparatus H3.

During the operation of the dishwashing apparatus it through the timedcycle above described, it is pointed out that the interior of the vat His at all times vented to the exterior through the door it: via theventilating louver ll. Also during the various wash and rinse steps whenconsiderable cleansing fluid is accumulated in the bottom of the vat IIit is pointed out that the reticulated screen 20 prevents any largeparticles of foreign matter such, for example, as lettuce leaves, or thelike, accumulating in the bottom of the vat H, from being caught in theblades l9 of the impeller l8 and again flung upwardly and outwardlythereby into the rack and the dishes supported in the vat H. Finally, atthe conclusion of the timed cycle the dishes supported by the rack inthe vat I i have not only been thoroughly washed and rinsed, but theyhave been completely dried, so that they are immediately available forreuse at the conclusion of the timed cycle. At the conclusion of thetimed cycle the handle is may be operated in order to unlatch the doorit, Whereupon the door is may be moved from its closed position to itsopen position. At this time the rack may be moved from its fullypushed-in position to its fully pulled-out position and the supporteddishes removed therefrom and replaced in a kitchen cabinet, or the like,if desired.

Considering now in greater detail the construction of the door it, andreferring to Figs. 2. to 6, inclusive, it will be observed that the door[5 comprises a substantially rectangular metal outer shell 55terminating in an inwardly directed and turned marginal flange 52, theopposite sides of the flange 52 adjacent to the lower ends thereof beingsupported upon pivot pins 53 carried by the side walls l2 of the casingof the dishwashing apparatus Ill. Also, the door I5 comprisescounterbalancing and limiting mechanism, a portion of which is indicatedat 54, in order to cause the door I 5 to be moved into its fully closedposition after'it has been moved substantially thereto; and in order tolimit final movement of the door into its fully open position. As:previously noted, the rotatable handle 16 carried by the door I5 isprovided with a latch bar 55 that cooperates with a latch element 56carried 'by the casing of the dishwashing apparatus I9 adjacent to thetop center of the front opening formed therein and just below the topwall I3. Specifically, the topcentral portion of the marginal flange 52has an opening 51 formed therein into which the latch element 56projects when the door I5 occupies its closed position. At this timewhen the handle I6 is rotated to a substantially horizontal position,the latch bar 55 is projected into a slot 58 formed in the latch element56 in order securely to latch the door I5 in its closed position.

Further, the door I5 occupies a substantially rectangular metal innershell 59 provided with a surrounding marginal flange 99. The principalbody of the inner shell 59 is spaced from the outer shell 5| by thesurrounding marginal flange 99 and these parts are suitably securedtogether to form a unitary structure. More particularly the marginalflange 69 comprises an inwardly offset substantially rectangular rib 6|defining a shoulder 62 extending about the top and sides of the marginalflange 69. A cooperating gasket 63 is carried by the vat I I within thefront opening formed in the casing of the dishwashing apparatus I ll andis arranged to engage the shoulder 62 exteriorly of the rib 6| when thedoor I5 occupies its closed position in order positively to seal the topand sides of the door I5 with respect to the topand. sides of the frontopening formed in the cabinet, thereby to prevent the escaping ofcleansing fluid from the vat II.

The central portion of the inner shell 59 is outwardly dished toward theouter shell 5|, as indicated at 64, in order to define a cavity 65within the door I5. The dished portion 64 of the inner shell 59 has anopening 66 formed therein that is arranged in alignment with acorresponding opening 6'! formed in the outer shel1 5|. Further, asubstantially rectangular dish shaped plate 68 is arranged in theopening 6'! formed in the outer shell 5I, which plate 68 has the louveropenings I I formed therein. Specifically, the plate 68 comprises amarginal flange 69 disposed between a marginal flange I formed about theopening 6! provided in the outer shell and the dished portion 64 of theinner shell 59; and the parts mentioned are rigidly secured together bycooperating bolts 1| extending therethrough. Accordingly, the chamber 65formed in the door I5 communicates through the opening 66 formed in theinner shell 59 and the louver openings I! formed in the plate 68 withthe exterior. i

The lower edge of the marginal flange 6!] disposed about the inner shell59 projects inwardly and terminates in a downwardly projecting apron I2.The front edge of the lower wall of the vat II projects upwardly andterminates in 2:. rolled flange l3 adjacent to the bottom of the openingprovided in the cabinet of the dishwashing apparatus I9. An intermediatesheet I4 is arranged between the outer shell 5I and the inner shell 59and has a large centrally disposed opening I5 formed therein surroundingthe plate 58. A downwardly extending sheet I6 is suitably secured to theintermediate sheet 1-4 and terminates closely adjacent to the bottomedge of the marginal flange 52 of the outer shell 5|; which sheet I6cooperates withand engages the rolled flange I3 provided on the frontedge of the vat I I adjacent to the bottom of the opening provided inthe casing of the dishwashing apparatus III. Further, a soft rubbergasket TI is clamped between a fiixture I8 and the rear of the apron l2and arranged to engage and to seal the front edge of the vat I I belowthe rolled flange I3 when the door I5 occupies its closed position inorder positively to prevent cleansing fluid contained in the bottom ofthe vat I I from escaping over the rolled flange I3.

Finally, the door I5 comprises a central inner plate I9 spaced inwardlyfrom the dished portion 64 of the inner shell 59 and substantially flushwith the surrounding principal body portion of the inner shell 59; whichinner plate I9 is removably secured in place to the dished portion 54 ofthe inner shell 59 by a plurality of screws 89 and cooperating lugs 8|carried by the dished portion 64. The inner plate I9 cooperates with thedished portion 64 to define the chamber 65 communicating with the louveropenings H, which inner plate 59 comprises a centrally disposed andinwardly ofiset rib or track-way 92 that is utilized for a purpose morefully explained hereinafter. The lower portions of the inner plate I9disposed on opposite sides of the rib 82 terminate above the rib 6|disposed about the inner shell 59 in order to provide two pockets oropenings 83 and 64 communicating between the interior of the vat II andthe chamber 65 formed in the door I5. Specifically, the pocket 83 isdisposed on the left-hand side of the center of the door I5 andconstitutes a detergent receiving pocket, while the opening 64 isdisposed on the right-hand side of the center of the door I5andconstitutes a detergent wash-out opening.

Also, two inwardly oflset and downwardly sloping deflecting ribs 85 and86 are formed in the inner plate I9 on opposite sides of the trackway 82and spaced therefrom and respectively disposed above the pocket 83 andthe opening 84. Moreover, two inwardly offset and downwardly slopingdeflecting ribs 81 and 88 are formed in the inner plate I9 on oppositesides of the lower end of the track-way 82 and spaced therefrom andrespectively disposed below the ribs 35 and 96 and respectively adjacentto the inner edges of the pocket 83 and the opening 84. Moreparticularly, the upper end of the track-way 92 slopes outwardly towardthe main body portion of the inner shell 59 adjacent to the upper edgethereof, as indicated at 89; while the lower end of the track-way 82slopes outwardly toward the main body portion of the inner shell 59adjacent to the lower edge thereof to define a saddle or recess 90disposed between the ribs 8! and 88. Further, the central portion of thelower edge of the rib 6| disposed about the inner shell 59 has adepression or recess 9| V formed therein that merges with the recess 9|]formed. in the lower end of the track-way 82. Accordingly, it will beunderstood that when the door l5 occupies its closed position, twochannels are formed for draining cleansing fluid from the upper portionof the inner plate I9 back into the bottom of the vat II, which channelsdefleet the cleansing fluid around the pocket 83 and the opening 34.Cleansing fluid in one of these channels travels downwardly along theleft-hand side of the track-way 82 onto the rib 85 and thence behind therib 8! into the recess and finally through the recess 9| back into thebottom of the vat lI. Likewise, cleansing fluid in the other of thesechannels travels downwardly along the right-hand side of the trackway 82onto the rib 86 and thence behind the rib 88 into the recess 96 andfinally through the recessti back into the bottom of the vat H.Accordingly, it will be understood that the arrangement describedincluding the channels disposed. on opposite sides of the track-way 82prevent cleansing fluid washing down the inner shell 59 and the innerplate is from entering the pocket 83 and the opening 84, whicharrangement is utilized for a purpose more fully explained hereinafter.

The pocket t3 and the opening M are further protected from the entranceof cleansing fluid thereinto by two upstanding ribs 92 and 93respectively disposed adjacent to the outside edges thereof andprojecting upwardly from the ribs 65 toward the bottom of the innerplate 79. Adjacent to the top of the left-hand rib 92 a recess 94 isformed in the inner shell 59 exteriorly of the adjacent edge of theinner plate 79 for the purpose of draining cleansing fluid entering thecrack between the inner shell 59 and the inner plate '59 onto the loweredge of the rib 6E and for deflecting this cleansing fluid out of thepocket 83. Similarly, adjacent to the top of the right-hand rib 93 arecess 95 is formed in the inner shell 59 exteriorly of the adjacentedge of the inner plate 753 for the purpose of draining cleansing fluidentering the crack between the inner shell 59 and the inner plate 19onto the lower edge of the rib El and for deflecting this cleansingfluid out of the opening at.

In view of the foregoing description of the constructionalarrangement'of the door 55 it will be understood that the pocket 83 andthe opening 84 directly communicate with the chamber 65 formed in thedoor I between the dished portion M of the inner shell 59 and the innerplate 19 and, consequently, with each other, defining a passage throughthe door between the detergent receiving pocket 83 and the detergentwash-out opening B l. Moreover, when the door it occupies its closedposition the pocket 83 and the opening 84 are disposed considerablyabove the bottom of the vat ll. Further, the detergent receiving pocket83 has a considerable depth and the bottom wall thereof defined by theman ginal flange fill disposed about the inner shell 59 occupies asubstantially horizontal position when the door i5 occupies its closedposition. Accordingly, there is little tendency for a charge ofdetergent placed in the detergent receiving ing apparatus 10 after thedishes have been loadt ed into the rack and the rack has been moved intoits fully pushed-in position with respect to the vat i i a predeterminedquantity or charge of detergent is placed in the detergent receivingpocket 83 and the door [5 is moved from its open position to its closedposition and latched in place by means of the handle it. Even though thedoor is moved rather rapidly into its closed position, no substantialquantity of the charge of detergent placed in the detergent receivingpocket 83 is jarred out of the pocket 83 into the vat ll, since thepocket 83 has considerable depth and the bottom wall thereof occupies asubstantially horizontal position at this time. Moreover, the door checkmechanism 54 associated with the door !5 prevents slamming the door l5into its closed position with great force.

At this time the timed cycle of operation of the dishwashing apparatusI0 is initiated by opcrating the push button 45 in the manner previouslyexplained, whereby the first spray step is initiated. More particularlycleansing fluid is sprayed from the spraying device 25 downwardlythrough the dishes supported by the rack arranged in the vat l i whilethe drain valve mechanism 32 occupies its open position and the electricmotor 22 is running. Accordingly, some of the cleansing fluid from thespraying device 25 strikes the inner shell 5'9 of the door it and someof the cleansing fluid may be flung up from the bottom of the vat H bythe blades it of the impeller is upon the inner shell 59 of the door l5.However, this cleansing fluid runs down the inner shell 59 and the innerplate 19 and is deflected from the pocket 83 and the opening 84 by thepreviously described arrangement including the track-way 82, the ribs 85and 85, the cooperating ribs 8'! and 88, and the ribs 92 and 93, wherebythe cleansing fluid is returned to the bottom of the vat l Thus duringthe spray step of the timed cycle no substantial quantity of cleansingfluid enters the pocket 83 or the opening 34, whereby the charge ordetergent placed in the detergent receiving pocket 83 remains thereinsubstantially undisturbed during the spray step.

Subsequently, at the beginning of the first washing step when the drainvalve mechanism 32 is operated to its closed position, cleansing fluidbegins to accumulate in the bottom of the vat i l and is recirculatedthrough the rack and the supported dishes therein by the blades [9 ofthe impeller 18. As the quantity of cleansing fluid accumulating in thebottom of the vat ll increases, the level thereof rises with respect tothe pocket 83 and the opening 8 5 and before the inlet valve mechanism21 is operated to its closed position a suflicient quantity of cleansingfluid has accumulated in the bottom of the vat H in order to raise thelevel thereof up toward the pocket 83 since the impeller is is operatingat this time. Subsequently, the inlet valve mechanism 21 is operated toits closed position and the first washing step continues as previouslyexplained. a

When the level of the cleansing fluid accumulating in the bottom of thevat H is raised up toward the pocket 83 during the initial part of thewashing step, the cleansing fluid is washed into the detergent receivingpocket 83 and out of the detergent wash-out opening 84. This action isobtained in the dishwashing apparatus H) by virtue of the fact that theimpeller 18 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction as viewed fromthe top of the vat ll, whereby the cleansing fluid is recirculated fromthe interior of the vat Ii into the detergent receiving pocket 83 andthence out of the detergent wash-out opening 84 back into the vat II.This recirculation of the cleansing fluid through the passage formed inthe door I5 positively insures that all of the charge of detergentcontained in the detergent receiving pocket 83 is washed out of theopening 84 and introduced into the quantity of cleansing fluid containedin the bottom of the vat II. of course,'the detergent is placed insolution and the solution is flung upwardly and outwardly by the blades[9 of the impeller l8 through the rack and the supported dishes in orderto obtain the washing action upon the dishes in the manner previouslyexplained.

The arrangement described is very advantageous in view of the fact'thatthe charge of detergent placed in the detergent receiving pocket 83 isautomatically introduced into the quantity of cleansing fluid during theinitial portion of the first washing step merely by the normal operationof the impeller I8, and accordingly requires no externally operateddetergent cup at the required point in the first washing step. Moreover,the deflecting arrangement previously described positively prevents anysubstantial quantity of cleansing fluid from entering the detergentreceiving pocket 83 during the preceding first spray step. Theabove-described arrangement for introducing the charge of detergent intothe washing fluid contained in the vat is disclosed and claimed in thecopending application of Forrest A. Walker, Serial No. 27,002, filed May14, 1948, now Patent No. 2,620,811, granted December 9, 1952.

Considering now the construction of the rack incorporated in thedishwashing apparatus, and referring generally to Figs. 2 to 8,inclusive, it will be observed that the rack I there illustrated is ofthe general construction and arrange ment of that disclosed in thepreviously mentioned Stoddard Patent No. 2,290,653. Specifically, therack I00 is of the open wire-work type comprising a substantiallyrectangular frame IIII suspending a lower basket I02 and removablysupporting an upper basket I03. The lower basket I02 is provided with acentrally disposed perforated silverware receiving cup I04 and structureexpressly adapted to receive and to support dishes in an upstandingposition surrounding the cup I 04. Also, the bottom of the lower basketI02 carries a reticulated screen I05 that prevents any small articlesfrom falling therethrough into the bottom of the vat II. The upperbasket I03 is removable in its entirety with respect to the frame I 0Iand comprises a main outer section for supporting cups and saucers, aswell as an independently removable center section I06 constituting aglassware support. When the rack I00 occupies its normal fullypulled-out position the center section I06 of the upper basket I03 maybe removed, permitting ready placement of silverware into the cup I 04and dishes in the lower basket I02. Of course, the upper basket I03 as awhole may be removed from the frame II for the purpose noted. After thesilverware has been placed in the cup I 04 and the dishes have beenplaced in the lower basket I02, the center section I06 is replaced withrespect to the remainder of the upper basket I 03 or the upper basketI03 as a whole is replaced with respect to the frame I 0!. At this timethe cups, saucers and glassware are placed in the upper basket I03.Thereafter the rack I 00 may be returned from its normal fully pulledoutposition to its normal fully pushed-in position with respect to the vatI I.

In order to facilitate movement of the rack I00 between its normal fullypushed-in position and its normal fully pullecl-0ut position, rollermechanism is provided that cooperates between the sides of the frame IOIand the side walls of the vat I I. More particularly two laterallyspaced apart and longitudinally extending guide rails I I I arerespectively carried by the side walls of the vat II. Specifically, apair of longitudinally spaced-apart brackets H2 are secured to each sidewall of the vat II by pairs of bolts H3 and associated nuts I I4; and toeach pair of brackets II2 the associated one of the guide rails III issecured by a pair of screws I I5. Each of the guide rails III issubstantially Z-shaped in cross section including an inwardly directedlower flange I I6 and a web I I1 spaced inwardly with respect to theadjacent side wall of the vat II. The sides of the frame IOI carried bythe rack I 00 terminate in outwardly and then downwardly directed rimsI18 positioned above the flange IIS when the rack I00 occupies itsnormal fully pushed-in position. Two laterally spaced apart rollers III]are secured to the webs II? of the guide rails III adjacent to theopening in the front of the casing of the dishwashing apparatus I0 andare mounted for rotation; which rollers I I9 normally engage theoutwardly directed rims IIIi carried by sides of the frame I0 I. Also,two laterally spaced-apart rollers I20 are secured to the opposite sidesof the frame IOI adjacent to the rear of the rack I00 and are mountedfor rotation; which rollers I20 normally engage the inwardly directedflanges H6 carried by the guide rails I II. Further, a centrallydisposed roller I2! is carried by the lower portion of the lower basketI02 and is mounted for rotation; which roller I2I is adapted tocooperate with the trackway 82 carried by the inner plate IQ of the doorI5 when the door I5 occupies its open position.

The two longitudinally extending guide rails III carried by the sidewalls of the vat II are slightly sloped downwardly or rearwardly towardthe rear wall of the vat II so that the of rollers Iii disposed at thefront ends of the guide rails I I I are positioned slightly higher thanthe pair of rollers I20 disposed at the rear of the frame I0! in orderto bias the rack I00 into its normal fully pushed-in position withrespect to the vat II. At this time when the rack I00 occupies itsnormal fully pushed-in position with respect to the vat II, the pair ofrollers H9 disposed adjacent to the front ends of the guide rails IIIengage and support the rims Iii! carried by the opposite sides of theframe I0! and the rollers I20 carried by the opposite sides of the frameIOI adjacent to the rear thereof engage and are supported by the flangeIIE of the guide rails III while the roller I2! completely disengagesthe track-way 82 and is positioned ontirely within the vat II.Accordingly, when the rack I00 occupies its normal fully pushed-inposition the door I5 may be opened and closed at will,

When the door I5 is moved from its closed position to its openedposition the track-way 02 is moved into a substantially horizontalposition and in substantial alignment with the roller I2I carried by thelower front central portion of the lower basket I02 of the rack I00. Atthis time the rack I00 may be moved from its normal fully, pusheohinposition outwardly with respect to the vat II. During initial travel ofthe rack I00 the rollers H8 support the rims II8 and the rollers I20 aresupported by the flanges lit in the manner previously explained. As therack 200 is moved forwardly out of the vat II the roller I2! passesthrough the recess HI formed in the rib 6i disposed about the innershell of the door I5 and into the saddle or recess 30. As forwardmovement of the rack I00 continues the roller I 2i engages the upwardlysloping lower end of the track-way 82 and then moves forwardly upon theprincipal body portion of the track-way 82 in order completely tosupport the front of the rack I00 upon the door I5. As forward movementof the rack I00 continues the front end of the frame I01 tiltsdownwardly about the rollers H9 as a consequence of the shifting of theweight of the rack I 00 and its contents out of the vat II, whereby therollers I29 carried by the sides of the frame lIlI adjacent to the rearends thereof completely disengage the flanges I I6. Accordingly, at thistime the weight of the rack I06 is carried by the pair of rollers H9 andthe front lower roller 12!, the pair of rollers i I 9 transferring thecarried weight to the side walls of the vat II and the roller E21transferring the carried weight to the door 55. As further forwardmovement of the rack Hill continues the front lower roller I2I ridesover the downwardly sloping portion Bil of the trackway 82, whereby therack I00 is biased into its normally fully pulled-out position. When therack IllEi reaches its normal fully pulled-out po sition two outwardlydirected pins I22 carried on the opposite sides of the flange lei engagethe front rollers H9 in order to arrest further outward movement of therack IIlil beyond its fully pulled-out position.

At this time the rack Illil occupi s its fully pulled-out position andthe principal weight thereof is carried through the front lower rolleri2i by the door I5, the door it: being restrained in its substantiallyhorizontal open position by the door check mechanism lid. When the rackIiit occupies its normal fully pulled-out position, dishes may bereadily loaded or unloaded with respect thereto. Also, at this time therack Itiii be completely removed with respect to the cabinet of thedishwashing apparatus it by lifting up upon the rear of the frame nu inorder to cause the stop pins I22 to disengage the front rollers i it,whereupon the rack it?) may be moved further forwardly, the front lowerroller I25 riding upon the door I 5, and then the rack we may beultimately removed from the door I5.

Subsequently, the rack I Eli] may be replaced with respect to the doorI5 and the guide rails ill and then returned from its normal fullypulled-out position to its normal fully pushedin position. In order tomove the rack Illll from its normal fully pulled-out position, the frontedge of the frame I III is pushed, causing the front lower roller I2! toride upwardly upon the sloping portion 89 of the track-way 82 andrearwardly along the track-way 82, As rearward motion of the rack lflllcontinues, the rack lilfl tilts about the front rollers H9 causing therear rollers I23 again to engage the flanges H6. As further rearwardmovement of the rack Hill continues, the front lower roller IZIdisengages the track-way 82 and the rack Hill is moved into its normalfully pushed-in position. When the rack we reaches its normal fullypushed-in position two laterally spaced-apart stops I 23, formed of softrubber, or the like, and carried on the extreme inturned ends of thewebs I I? of the guide rails III, engage the rear rollers I26 carried bythe frame IOI in order to arrest further inward movement of the rackIllIl toward the rear wall. of the vat I I beyond its fully pushed-inposition. In view of the foregoing it will be understood that the rackHill is biased in its normal fully pushed-in position by the inclinationof the guide rails III and is biased into its normal fully pulled-outpostion by the inclination of the front end 89 of the track-way 82.Further, forward movement of the rack Illil out of the vat II is limitedby the stop pins I22, although the arrangement of the stop pins I22permits complete removal of the rack IIlIl from the casing of thewashing apparatus Ill when such is desired. Finally, rearward movementof the rack I98 into the vat I I is limited by the stops I23. Hence, therack IE0 is biased into its fully pushed-in posilaterally spaced-apartside walls tion When it is moved in proximity thereto and is biased intoits fully pulled-out position when it is moved in proximity thereto. Theguide arrangement for the movable rack ifit above described is veryadvantageous in view of the fact that it permits the rack IElfl to bemoved to a fully pulled-out position wherein it is positionedsubstantially entirely out of the vat II. This extreme movement of therack lei} substantially entirely out of the vat I I into its fullypulled-out position is possible since the weight of the rack Hill istransferred primarily from the guide rails Hi to the door I5 as the rackHill is moved into its fully pulled-out position.

In View of the foregoing it is apparent that there has been providedwashing apparatus incorporating an improved arrangement for guiding thedish supporting rack between a normal fully pushed-in position in thevat and supported by the side walls thereof, and a normal fullypulled-out position disposed substantially entirely exteriorly of thevat and supported principally by the associated door in its openposition.

While there has been described what is at present considered to be thepreferred embodiment of the invention, it will be understood thatvarious modifications may be made therein, and it is intended to coverin the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the truespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. In dishwashing apparatus, cabinet structure including a pair ofoppositely disposed and defining a chamber having a front opening, adoor associated with said opening and mounted for movements with respectthereto between a substantially vertical closed position and asubstantially horizontal open position, a pair of longitudinallyextending and laterally spaced-apart and aligned guide elementsrespectively carried by said side walls, a dishrack adapted to be movedlongitudinally through said opening into and out of said chamber oversaid door when said door occupies its open position, a first pair oflaterally spacedapart and aligned rollers respectively carried by saidside walls adjacent to said opening and re speotively engaging theopposite sides of said dishraok for supporting the front of saiddishraok when it is moved substantially into said chamber and forsupporting the rear of said dishrack when it is moved substantially outof said chamber, a second pair of laterally spaced-apart and alignedrollers respectively carried by the opposite sides of said dishrack atthe rear thereof and respectively engaging said guide elements forsupporting the rear of said dishrack when it is moved substantially intosaid chamber, a centrally disposed trackway carried on the inner surfaceof said door and extending longitudinally when said door occupies itsopen position, and a third roller carried by the lower front of saiddishrack at the center thereof and engaging said trackway for supportingthe front of said dishrack when it is moved substantially out of saidchamber, said centrally disposed trackway being spaced below said thirdroller when said third roller is within said chamber and said door is inthe open position, the rear of said dishrack tilt ing downwardly aboutsaid first pair of rollers when said dishraek is moved substantiallyinto said chamber so as to cause said second pair of rollersrespectively to engage said guide elements and to cause said thirdroller to disengage said trackway, and the front of said dishracktilting downwardly about said first pair of rollers when said dishrackis moved substantially out of said chamber so as to cause said thirdroller to engage said trackway and to cause said second pair of rollersrespectively to disengage said guide elements.

2. In dishwashing apparatus, cabinet structure including a pair ofoppositely disposed and laterally spaced-apart walls defining a chamberhaving a front opening, a door associated with said opening and mountedfor movements with respect thereto between a substantially verticalclosed position and a substantially horizontal open position, a pair oflongitudinally extending and laterally spaced-apart and aligned guideelements respectively carried by said side walls, a dishrack adapted tobe moved longitudinally through said opening into and out of saidchamber over said door when said door occupies its open position, saiddishrack having a full in position disposed entirely within said chamberand a full out position disposed considerably out of said chamber andover said door, a first pair of laterally spaced-apart and alignedrollers respectively carried by said side Walls adjacent to said openingand respectively engaging the opposite sides of said dishrack forsupporting the front of said dishrack when it is moved substantiallyinto said chamber and for supporting the rear of said dishrack when itis moved substantially out of said chamber, a second pair of laterallyspacedapart and aligned rollers respectively carried by the oppositesides of said dishrack at the rear thereof and respectively engagingsaid guide elements for supporting the rear of said dishracl: when it ismoved substantially into said chamber, said pair of guide elementsbiasing said dishrack into its full in position when it is movedsubstantially thereto, a centrally disposed trackway carried on theinner surface of said door and extending longitudinally when said dooroccupies its open position, and a third roller carried by the lowerfront of said dishrack at the center thereof and engaging said trackwayfor supporting the front of said dishrack when it moved substantiallyout of said chamber, said centrally disposed trackway being spaced belowsaid third roller when said third roller is within said chamber and saiddoor is in the open position, said trackway biasing said dishrack intoits full out position when it is moved substantially thereto, the rearof said dishrack tilting downwardly about said first pair of rollerswhen said dishrack is moved substantially into said chamber so as tocause said second pair of rollers respectively to engage said guideelements and to cause said third roller to disengage said trackway, andthe front of said dishrack tilting downwardly about said first pair ofrollers when said dishrack is moved substantially out of said chamber soas to cause said third roller to engage said trackway and to cause saidsecond pair of rollers respectively to disengage said guide elements.

3. In dishwashing apparatus, a vat including a pair of oppositelydisposed and laterally spacedapart side walls and having a frontopening, a door associated with said front opening and mounted formovements with respect thereto between a substantially vertical closedposition and a substantially horizontal open position, a pair oflongitudinally extending and laterally spaced-apart and aligned guideelements respectively carried by said side walls, a dishracls adapted tobe moved longitudinally through said front opening into and out of saidvat over said door when said door occupies its open position, afour-point support for said dishrack when it is arranged within saidvat, said four-point support including a pair of laterally spaced-apartand aligned rollers respectively carried by the opposite sides of saiddishrack at the rear thereof and respectively engaging said pair ofguide elements, a three-point support for said dishrack when it isarranged over said door in its open position, said three-point supportincluding a third roller carried by the front of said dishracl; at thecenter thereof and engaging a centrally disposed trackway carried on theinner surface of said door and extending longitudinally when said dooroccupies its open position, said third roller being disposed below saidpair of rollers and said centrally disposed trackway being spaced belowsaid third roller when said third roller is within said chamber and saiddoor is in the open position, and means including said pair of rollersrespectively engaging said pair of guide elements and said third rollerengaging said trackway for mounting said dishrack for said longitudinalmovements through said front opening when said door occupies its openposition.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS NumberName Date 660,538 Brown Oct. 23, 1900 1,782,523 Warren Nov. 25, 19302,290,653 Stoddard July 21, 1942 2,295,368 Suomala Sept. 8, 19 l2

